Exactech Knee and Ankle Replacement Liner Recall

Liners are a necessary piece of medical equipment used during Knee and Ankle replacement surgery. Oftentimes, the device used to replace the bone is made of metal or ceramic, or plastic. The purpose of a liner is to allow the components of the newly made bone structure to move freely in the compartment. The Exactech liner is made of irradiated ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). To prepare the femoral component, the top of the bone is cut into several pieces to remove the implant. The segments of bone are cleaned, and the new implant is inserted into the body either by a press fit or by use of bone cement.

How do I know if I have a liner?

The most likely patients who might have received this type of implant are those who underwent a full replacement procedure. A full replacement involves the removal of the natural bone and joints and replacing them with artificial devices and joints so the patient can still easily move. Patients who suffer from the following might have received the Exactech Connexion liner during a replacement surgery:

In 2019, Exactech decided to begin to transition GXL liners out of the US market. Today in 2022, the liners have been transitioned entirely out of the US market. People who have the Exactech liners have been reaching out to their doctors due to the recent recall of the unsafe product. If you have this type of implant reach out to your doctor to confirm the model of the product. Your doctor will then need to examine the implant and check for any damage. If there is a lot of damage the patient may need surgery to replace the implant. If you have a problem with your implant, you will experience pain, trouble moving, swelling, grinding/clicking and weak joints. The Exactech liner manufacturer is offering compensation for people affected by the product. The implant seems to only last for about 5 years until it starts to wear. The design of the implants is what is most likely causing the problems over time.